H a m i l t o n U . S . A i r m a i l
c. 1 9 1 7
Rare Hamilton “U.S. Airmail” men’s Military design wristwatch in sterling silver, circa 1917.
Hamilton introduced its first men’s wristwatch in 1917, using existing pocket watch movements, referring to the watch briefly at first as the “Gent‘s Wristwatch,” then as the “Military Wristwatch,” the name changed aimed at marketing the watches to men heading overseas to fight in World War I. But more interestingly, the “Military Wristwatch” was used by all the U.S. Army airmail pilots when the United States Post Office inaugurated airmail service between New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. on May 15, 1917. Very rare and seldom offered for sale, a mere 404 examples of this watch were produced using the grade 983 movement. This example is in excellent condition with the correct Fahys sterling silver case showing only light wear and a few light marks to the sterling silver case. Caseback is excellent, with a monogram. The case measures 39mm long and 32mm wide. Original enamel dial is good, with some hairline cracks. Has new glass crystal. This watch is powered by its correct 17 jewel, 0-size Hamilton grade 983 adjusted movement.
(SOLD)
